WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) today praised the Senate for swift passage of his resolution to commemorate the 200^th Anniversary of the War of 1812 and celebrate the heroism displayed by Americans during what is often referred to as the “Second War of Independence.”  The resolution was introduced by Senator Cardin on Wednesday (2/29) and was passed by the U.S. Senate Thursday evening by unanimous consent.

S.Res. 388 commemorates “the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner, and recognizes the historical significance, heroic human endeavor, and sacrifice of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Revenue Marine Service, and State militias, during the War of 1812.”

Senator Cardin introduced the Resolution on Tuesday as Maryland members of the American Legion watched the Senator from the Gallery discuss the resolution, the importance of our flag, and his pride in the role that Maryland played in the War of 1812.  

“This Resolution recognizes that the War of 1812 was a critical event in our nation’s early history and it helped secure our  nation’s independence from Great Britain,” said Senator Cardin.  “It is also recognizes the important role that Marylanders played in ensuring the victory, including the Battle of North Point and the Battle of Baltimore.  It also honors Francis Scott Key who during the defense of Fort McHenry wrote the Star-Spangled Banner, which later became our National Anthem.  I believe it’s important for us to celebrate this milestone and I hope my Resolution will encourage all Americans to remember and celebrate the war that ultimately guaranteed our freedom.”

The War of 1812 ensured America’s continued independence from the British.  After two and a half years of conflict, in which British troops burned Washington, D.C., American soldiers stopped the British as they attempted to capture Baltimore.  After 25 hours of bombardment, the British failed to take Fort McHenry at the mouth of the Baltimore Harbor and were forced to retreat. 

Other co-sponsors of the Resolution include: U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), John Kerry (D-MA), Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Carl Levin (D-MI), and Jeff Sessions (R-AL).